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Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

20/11/18

The most important investment that you can make is your health. With the hustle and bustle of the day to day routine, certain things can go on the back burner. November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month and we are taking this time to raise awareness about this pressing issue. Many people with diabetes are unaware of the risk of diabetic eye disease because there are no early symptoms.

According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic eye disease or diabetic retinopathy, the most common form of diabetic eye disease, is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in adults 20–74 years of age. Other optical complications surrounding diabetes also include cataract and glaucoma.

What that means is anyone with diabetes is at risk for vision loss and blindness from diabetic eye disease. The aging community has the highest risk of developing this disease. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk is of developing diabetic eye disease. Other groups at high risk for diabetic eye disease are Native Americans, Latinos and African Americans.

There are some ways to reduce the risk of this disease like careful diabetes management, but because there are little to no early symptoms of this disease, the only way to fully protect yourself is by undergoing a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. All diabetics should have a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. Early detection and timely treatment is the key to preventing vision loss and blindness.

Over 7.7 million people aged 40 and over suffer from diabetic eye disease, and the number is projected to increase to more than 11 million by 2030. Protect yourself from becoming another statistic by having frequent comprehensive dilated eye examinations for early detection and prevention of retinal damage.

With three convenient locations in the Bradenton, FL area, at the Eye Center, Inc., our optometrists practice a proactive and preventative approach to medicine ensuring the best possible care for your eyes.